What's the pricing model for no-code tools?

This blog post has been written by the person who has mapped the no-code platform market in a clean and beautiful presentation

No-code platforms have transformed software development by democratizing app creation, but their pricing models vary dramatically across subscription tiers, usage-based billing, and marketplace revenue shares.

Understanding these pricing strategies is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors entering this rapidly evolving market worth billions in 2025. And if you need to understand this market in 30 minutes with the latest information, you can download our quick market pitch.

What are the core pricing models used by no-code platforms in 2025?

Six primary pricing models dominate the no-code platform landscape, each targeting different customer segments and usage patterns.

How do freemium models work and what drives conversion to paid plans?

Freemium models in no-code platforms achieve 2-5% conversion rates by strategically gating advanced features while providing immediate core value.

The mechanics center on feature gating where platforms offer core functionality freely but reserve advanced integrations, automation runs, or collaboration seats for paid tiers. Usage limits enforce quotas like Airtable's record limits or Bubble's workload units to nudge upgrades when users hit productivity barriers.

Successful conversion tactics include personalized onboarding journeys that guide users to their "aha moment" within the first session, such as Zapier's prebuilt workflows. Behavioral segmentation targets high-usage freemium users with tailored upgrade offers, while strategic friction teases premium capabilities through modal previews or locked features at high-motivation moments.

Limited-time discounts offering yearly plans at twice the monthly rate create urgency, and paywalls at feature limits encourage seamless upgrades. Re-trial campaigns for dormant freemium users can boost late conversions by re-engaging users who previously explored premium features.

Need a clear, elegant overview of a market? Browse our structured slide decks for a quick, visual deep dive.

If you want to build on this market, you can download our latest market pitch deck here

Which platforms use usage-based pricing and how effective has it been?

Usage-based pricing aligns billing with customer growth while reducing entry barriers, with platforms like Zapier, Make, and Bubble leading this approach.

What are successful examples of flat-rate and tiered subscription pricing?

Flat-rate and tiered subscription models provide predictable revenue streams while accommodating different customer segments from startups to enterprises.

Webflow operates three web-design tiers: Basic ($18/mo) for simple sites, CMS ($29/mo) for content management, and Business ($49/mo) for advanced features, plus custom Enterprise pricing. This structure serves freelancers through large agencies with clear feature differentiation.

Bubble's pricing spans Personal ($32/mo), Professional ($115/mo), and Production ($475/mo), differing by app capacity, collaboration features, and support levels. The significant price jumps reflect the platform's positioning as a serious development tool rather than a hobby platform.

Airtable's progression from Free to Plus ($10/mo) to Pro ($20/mo) to Enterprise (custom) creates natural upgrade paths based on record limits, advanced blocks, SSO requirements, and audit logs. The moderate price increases encourage steady upgrades as teams grow.

Retool's per-user model starts at Team ($10/user/mo) and scales to Business ($50/user/mo), reflecting the platform's focus on internal tooling where user count directly correlates with value delivered to organizations.

How do marketplace and revenue-sharing models work for no-code platforms?

Marketplace models create secondary revenue streams by taking 15-50% commissions on template, plugin, and component sales while fostering vibrant creator ecosystems.

Bubble's marketplace operates on a 25% revenue share model where top sellers like Zeroqode have generated approximately $850,000 in gross revenue. This relatively low commission rate encourages template creation while building platform lock-in through creator investment.

Webflow's template marketplace takes 30-50% revenue share but maintains strict quality vetting to enhance marketplace credibility. Higher commission rates reflect the premium nature of web design templates and the platform's brand positioning.

Zapier's Extension Partner Program charges 15% revenue share, the lowest rate among major platforms, to encourage third-party integration development. This strategy prioritizes ecosystem growth over immediate marketplace revenue.

These marketplace models require careful ecosystem governance including payout compliance via Stripe or PayPal, quality control mechanisms, and creator support programs. Successfully managed marketplaces contribute 10-15% of total platform revenue while accelerating user adoption through ready-made solutions.

Wondering who's shaping this fast-moving industry? Our slides map out the top players and challengers in seconds.

What are the most profitable pricing models among no-code platforms?

Enterprise subscription models deliver the highest profitability with 70-80% gross margins, while diversified revenue streams combining subscriptions, usage fees, and marketplace commissions optimize overall returns.

Enterprise subscription tiers generate the highest Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) with annual contracts, dedicated support, and premium features commanding significant premiums. These customers exhibit low churn rates and high expansion potential through user seat growth.

Usage-based pricing for API-heavy automation platforms creates outsized revenue from heavy enterprise consumers who generate thousands of workflow executions monthly. Platforms like Zapier see their highest-value customers paying $500+ monthly through usage overages.

Marketplace commission models contribute 10-15% of platform revenue with minimal additional infrastructure costs. Successful template creators become invested stakeholders who promote the platform, creating a virtuous cycle of content creation and user acquisition.

The most profitable platforms combine multiple models: base subscription revenue for predictability, usage-based charges for scaling customers, and marketplace commissions for ecosystem monetization. This diversification protects against revenue concentration risks while maximizing customer lifetime value.

If you want actionable data about this market, you can download our latest market pitch deck here

Which platforms have gained the most traction in 2025 and what pricing strategies contributed?

Market leaders in 2025 include Webflow with 0.8% of all websites and 1.2% CMS market share, Bubble dominating full-stack no-code app building, and Airtable capturing 4.7% of the predictive lead-scoring category.

Webflow's success stems from freemium virality through free hosting for staging sites, allowing designers to showcase work without cost barriers. Their tiered pricing ($18-$49/mo) scales naturally with business growth while custom Enterprise pricing captures high-value accounts.

Bubble's community-driven marketplace model creates strong network effects where template creators become platform evangelists. Their premium positioning ($32-$475/mo) attracts serious developers willing to pay for sophisticated capabilities rather than casual users seeking simple solutions.

Airtable's broad SMB and enterprise adoption results from their progressive pricing strategy starting with generous free tiers, then modest upgrades ($10-$20/mo) that don't shock users. API-centric integrations make the platform indispensable to existing workflows.

Zapier and Make dominate automation through consumption-based pricing that aligns costs with value delivered. Their pay-per-task models remove adoption barriers while generating substantial revenue from power users running thousands of workflows monthly.

How do different use cases influence pricing strategy decisions?

Use case requirements directly shape pricing models, with internal tooling favoring predictable per-user subscriptions while automation platforms benefit from consumption-based billing.

What emerging business models are developing for AI-enhanced no-code tools?

AI-enhanced no-code platforms are pioneering outcome-based pricing, value-share models, and modular AI feature bundling as traditional subscription models prove inadequate for AI capabilities.

Outcome-based pricing charges customers for AI-driven results rather than tool access, such as paying per anomaly detected, lead qualified, or process automated. This model aligns pricing with actual business value delivered rather than software usage.

Value-share models take a percentage of cost savings or incremental revenue generated through platform automation. Coda AI and Parabola are experimenting with revenue-sharing arrangements where platforms participate in customer success rather than charging fixed fees.

AI feature bundling combines base platform access with modular AI add-ons priced per model usage, API call, or processing unit. This allows customers to pay only for AI capabilities they actively use while maintaining predictable base costs.

Hybrid consumption models charge for AI processing separately from standard platform features, recognizing the variable costs of AI model inference and the unpredictable nature of AI-driven workflows.

Looking for the latest market trends? We break them down in sharp, digestible presentations you can skim or share.

If you need to-the-point data on this market, you can download our latest market pitch deck here

How does enterprise versus SMB segmentation affect pricing models?

Enterprise and SMB segments require fundamentally different pricing approaches, with SMBs favoring simplicity and predictability while enterprises demand customization and consumption-based scaling.

SMB-focused platforms like Airtable and Glide emphasize simple freemium models with low flat rates and clear per-user tiers. These businesses need predictable monthly costs for budgeting and minimal complexity in procurement processes. Pricing typically ranges from $10-50 per user monthly with annual discounts.

Enterprise-focused platforms like Webflow Enterprise and Retool Business offer custom contracts with usage-based SLAs, advanced security features, and dedicated support overlays. Enterprise customers accept complex pricing in exchange for tailored solutions, often committing to annual contracts worth $50,000-500,000+.

Segmentation allows targeted packaging strategies: SMBs get standardized feature sets with transparent pricing, while enterprises receive customized deployments with consumption-based elements, professional services, and success management. Many platforms operate both models simultaneously with clear upgrade paths from SMB to enterprise tiers.

The key differentiation lies in sales complexity: SMB customers self-serve through online pricing while enterprise deals require direct sales teams, custom negotiations, and technical implementation support.

Which startups are innovating in no-code pricing strategies?

Emerging no-code startups are experimenting with community credit models, microtransaction pricing, and pay-what-you-use structures to differentiate from established subscription paradigms.

• Softr operates a community credits model where users earn free platform usage by contributing templates, tutorials, or community support, creating engagement while reducing customer acquisition costs.
• Pory.io tests "pay what you use" public beta pricing that charges only for active app sessions rather than monthly subscriptions, appealing to seasonal or irregular usage patterns.
• Stacker implements microtransaction pricing where users make small payments to unlock extra app runs or premium features rather than committing to monthly plans.
• Glide Pages experiments with success-fee models where pricing scales based on website traffic or lead generation performance rather than fixed monthly costs.
• Internal.io offers equity-based pricing for early-stage startups where the platform takes small equity stakes in exchange for free or reduced-cost access during initial growth phases.

These experimental models aim to optimize Average Customer Value (ACV) while reducing friction for specific customer segments, though long-term viability remains unproven compared to established subscription models.

What are the key risks and limitations of each pricing model?

Each pricing model carries distinct risks that entrepreneurs and investors must carefully evaluate when entering the no-code market.

Planning your next move in this new space? Start with a clean visual breakdown of market size, models, and momentum.

Conclusion

Sources

1. LinkedIn - Break Down No-Code Pricing
2. Monetizely - Pricing for No-Code Platforms
3. OpenMeter - Pricing and Packaging with No-Code
4. Reddit - No-Code Platforms with Usage-Based Pricing
5. Bubble Manual - Building Templates
6. Rapid Developers - Marketplace Template
7. RevenueCat - Turn Freemium Users into Subscribers
8. UserPilot - Freemium Conversion Rate
9. Bubble Forum - Top Selling Templates by Revenue
10. Enricher - Webflow Market Share Statistics
11. Code Conductor - No-Code Statistics
12. 6sense - Airtable Market Share
13. Product Marketing Alliance - Freemium Growth Formula
14. NoCode Finder - How Much Does No-Code Cost
15. CTO Club - Best Low-Code Platform
16. Kissflow - Total Cost of Ownership Guide
17. Upstack Studio - Pricing Plans No-Code Web App Builder
18. UserPilot - Freemium to Premium
19. OpenView Partners - Usage-Based Pricing
20. Product Led Alliance - Convert Freemium Users
21. Stripe - Usage-Based Billing
22. Zuora - Ultimate Guide to Usage-Based Pricing
23. Convertigo - Comparing No-Code Pricing Models